Leavin on a jet plane...

Hello BGNDers!!
I am so sorry that I have been MIA for almost a week....it has been utter madness over here in Beauty Girl land but in the best way possible....
However, now I am back and ready to attack! Today's topic?

Travel baby travel....

Everyone is having a hard time in this economy - it is obvious. But one industry that is truly hurting? The airlines of course! (Inevitably the first companies to have real problems in any economic downturn because of the high cost of doing business.)
Well, while this is bad news for American, Delta and the like - it can be great news for the rest of us. Anyone with $200 can fly coast to coast easily. And while we may not have $200 lying around, there are lots of places to go for a lot less. So in honor of the cheap airfares to be had - I bring you a travel themed beauty segment today. And not just any travel - more specifically - how to survive a red eye without looking like you have been on one!!

Now first things first- I know some of you have a system of sleep masks and Ambien that works just fine for you and well done. If it ain't broke.....
However, this is for the rest of you...those of you who can't or won't use the aid of a pharmaceutical.

Believe it or not, there are ways to survive a beauty challenge like a red-eye flight on very little sleep. (As we get older we all start to realize why it is called "beauty sleep"!) As long as you are prepared with the right tools, you can saunter off that plane looking not only like you had a good eight hours but that you slept on a satin pillowcase after an aromatic shower.

So here are my top 5 "rough travel" tips:

1 - Moisturizer!!!!
I cannot emphasize this enough. Airplanes and their recycled air rob you and your skin of all moisture and as we all know, nothing makes fine lines and wrinkles show up to a party like dryness. To combat this issue in the air - I have a simple approach. Carry on a facial mister of your choosing. Something that can be used easily and frequently to give your face the moisture surge it needs. You CAN find small bottles that the FAA will allow....this is my favorite.

2 - Facial cleansing wipes
Normally I do not condone the use of these because I find a use once and throw away towelette very un-green. However, when it comes to air travel these can be a lifesaver. Talk about a simple way to wipe the airplane grime off your face and get it ready to be seen. They are packaged for travel and there is no liquid involved. Sneak into the airplane bathroom before landing or hit the restroom at your destination airport and clean up with these.
Which leads me to....

3 - Did I mention moisturizer?!
Now that you have hydrated your skin the best you can in flight - what about after? Well it is simple really. Using step #2 you are creating an easy and travel friendly way to wash your face post-red eye...just like you would at home when you wake up. And when we wash- we moisturize. Make sure you use some of your FAA approved liquid ounces on a mini of your favorite moisturizer. We all know that Clinique gives out small bottles of it's magic yellow lotion like candy but here there are plenty of travel sized face lotion options at your local CVS if you are not a Clinique gal.

4 - Bring a mini make-up kit with you
Now some of you bring all your makeup on board - and if so then you are all set. If you do not - all you need in your purse is a good compact powder, a mini mascara, a pink lip gloss (which can double as a blush if need be) and a bronzer or face brightener. With these four little wonders you can create a nice enough make-up look that you will look bright eyed and bushy tailed and NOT overly done. Even if you have all your make-up at your disposal, I don't recommend piling it on. Sometimes less is more and a red-eye is one of those instances. You are just trying to look natural and fresh - and full makeup on tired skin is anything but.

5 - The most important
You may not like this one but it is the truth. Wash and moisturize your face as if you are getting ready for bed before you get on that plane and DO NOT WEAR makeup. You have to think of this plane time as your skin's rest time. If you wear makeup you are doing nothing but hurting your skin and your chances at looking halfway decent the next day. No one is looking at each other on red-eyes, people are trying to sleep. So please- I beg of you...wash and moisturize with your night time routine and then get on that plane. That way you will be somewhat fresh when you start to try to look normal after your flight.

Alright folks, I'm off on a plane myself tonight...so wish me beauty challenge travel luck!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

The Heat is on...

So it is only April, but here in Southern California we have had some scorchers of late. With the rising temps come heat, sweat and sun which have only reminded me that in the summer I have a hard time moisturizing my body. I just don't relish the idea of dealing with rubbing anything on my skin when that skin is sweating the minute I step out of the shower. So when I saw the following product I got super excited!!!

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Moisturizing Body Gel with 100% Natural Aloe Vera
I cannot wait to try this new moisturizer from Vaseline!! Cool, light and refreshing is what I see in my magic crystal beauty ball. On top of that who doesn't love the cool feel of aloe vera on their skin in the hot summer months? Plus, I am all about going for a more natural and refreshing moisturizer because sometimes you just don't want heavy cream.

I will definitely report back and let you know what I think of this product- but I see beautiful smooth skin ahead!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Back to Basics

In April's Allure there is a fantastic article all about the things every gal needs to know about anti-aging miracles. It breaks things down in a simple, step by step system- is easy to read and really lets you know what you can do to stop (and turn back the clock). Now that the weather is getting warmer and we are cleaning out our closets, it is also a great time to re-evaluate what is happening with our skin. This article is a great place to start if you need a re-boot.

Think of it as Skin Care 101.

Click here!

Have a great Monday and keep looking young and fab!
BGND

Friday Fun!!!

There are certain things in life that we can all count on.
Today's entry?

Matthew McConaughey starring in cute, not totally original but thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedies. Kind of like Oreos- good standbys, absolutely delicious but you can't eat too many or you will get sick.
The latest of MM's films:

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

(co-starring the super cute Jennifer Garner)

Now although this poster is very airbrushed- the trailer is intriguing and I will be seeing this, probably with some Sour Patch Kids in hand. The ideal way to see this and all these kind of movies? With girlfriends of course!!

Well lucky for us Neutrogena is having a contest in which one lucky winner will get a private screening of this flick for her and all her girlfriends in her hometown plus A FREE YEAR'S SUPPLY OF NEUTROGENA PRODUCTS!!!

Um- yes and yes.

Here are the deets- if you win- can I come to your private screening?

Keep looking fabulous and have a great weekend!
BGND

Product of the week - April 16th, 2009

Imagine my delight when setting out to write today's POTW - only to discover that our featured item is on sale for 30% off!!! How serendipitous!!!

Now I have always been on the fence about the effectiveness of face masks. Other than some basic hydration and the relaxation it gives to the user, masks to me have always been more of an indulgence/nice treat then a true skin treatment or legitimate part of my regimen.

Until now.


Organic Apoteke's Rejuvenating Fask Mask - Originally $54.95, now $38.47 (Online at organicapoteke.com)
This face mask has single handedly changed my opinion of masks. It really and truly works. Not only does it give your face a healthy and much needed dose of moisture- the moisture lasts - for days. I have noticed every time I have used this mask that my skin is visibly better for days to come. Smoother, more supple, more hydrated, less lines.... The Organic Apoteke line is 100% organic (as you can tell from the name) and those folks are definitely doing something right. This mask supplements collagen and elastin while detoxifying and nourishing. It is formulated with honey, shea butter and peptides to naturally increase the micro circulation of your skin. I would recommend this mask to anyone who wants their skin to look more like it did at 17...so pretty much everyone.

After my great experiences with this product I look forward to more experimentation with the line and their belief in better skin through hydration and circulation. For more on the whole line- click here.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

P.S. One word to the wise on this POTW - the smell and texture are definitely "organic" but don't let that put you off- it is still pleasant and soothing - you will not feel as though you are putting something gross on your face.

Cartoon Couture

How much do I love the recent trend of whimsical childhood inspired make-up lines?! I suspect these new designs are an attempt to lighten spirits in these bad economic times.

I don't believe that the beauty sector is hurting too bad from the recent credit crunch and foreclosure fiasco (in fact - I think women and men flock to the things that make them feel good in times such as these.) So to me these uniquely themed cosmetics are just an extension of feeling good and having fun. They make you think back on a time when cartoons were only on Saturday mornings and we all got up at 7am just to catch The Smurfs.

My favorites in this childhood-themed cosmetic wonderland?

Stila's Barbie Loves Line - $40 (Sephora and online at Sephora.com)


The folks at Stila have chosen Barbie as their childhood idol. And why not? She is the original California style icon, paparazzi magnet and "it" girl. There are a few different items in this collection so that everyone can have their retro fix. From a Four color eye palette, to individual Barbie "paint cans" designated by which Barbie look you want to recreate - these are fun and functional.


For the non-Barbie gal?

MAC Hello Kitty Collection - $12 - $90 (MAC stores nationwide or online at maccosmetics.com)

The folks at MAC have taken their whimsy collection to a whole other level. Not only can you get the basic cosmetics in Hello Kitty themed colors and packaging - they come in three different categories:
Hello Kitty Mild - The Hello Kitty basics
Hello Kitty Wild - All the glitter and shine you could want
Hello Kitty Kouture - The fewest and pricey choices

Of course my favorite in this line? The Hello Kitty Accessories. Super cute and hard to find- but so worth it. That is the brush holder shown above.

So if you want a treat or just a little something to make you smile- check out some of these whimsical cosmetics. Perhaps you will find yourself watching re-runs of Tom and Jerry in pajamas eating Lucky Charms.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Look good and feel good too!

I think all you BGNDers know that I am a Make - A - Wish volunteer in my time away from all things beauty. Well today I have the pleasure of combining the two worlds!!!

MAW is joining forces with Latisse - the only FDA approved treatment for growing (that is right I said growing) eyelashes. If you have never heard of Latisse before- think of it sort of as Rogaine but for your eyelashes.....very intriguing stuff.

Anyhoo, Latisse has partnered with MAW in the Latisse Wishes campaign. Allergen (parent company for Latisse) has committed $500,000 to MAW but with your help, they will grant up to $1Million! All you have to do is sign up for the Latisse Lashperks Rewards program through their website and MAW will donate $5 per new enrollment! That is a lot of easily earned (and much needed) dough for the folks at MAW. And hey- you may just end up with the eyelashes of your dreams as a side effect!

Now, I know you are concerned about "signing up" for something like this. You may be thinking something along the lines of...."Ugh, spam cluttering up my inbox! I don't need that!"
Have no fear my friends, the sign up can be a one time only thing if you would like. Just make sure that when filling out the online form - you unclick the box for follow up emails. That way you can contribute your $5 but you won't get spam. Hooray!!

Here is the link!


Easy, free, feels good and good for kids- a no brainer!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Mineral Questions and Answers...

Happy Monday BGNDers!

Did you have lovely Passovers and Easters?

Since I am mildly still in a food coma from far too many jelly beans, today's post will be somewhat brief.

First things first, my good friend Beth (a fan of the blog- thanks B!) wrote a comment in response to Friday's post on the new Neutrogena concealer. She reassured me that while she does not own the particular concealer discussed on Friday, she does rock the mineral cream and powder combination under her eyes and has done so for a while to great result. The only difference I can see in what B is doing and what Neutrogena is marketing is that B does cream and then her usual mineral foundation. The Neutrogena product is cream, then eye-specific powder, then use your foundation. Regardless, I think Beth's endorsement of using two mineral products in a layered way has made me want to officially try the concealer. I will report back asap.

Secondly, with all this talk of minerals, a question was posed on how to best travel with minerals. We all know traveling with loose powdered cosmetics (mineral or not) can be VERY messy. You arrive at your destination with a ton of product floating in the container and it is super hard to not spill/waste/use too much...the list goes on and on.

My tried and true answer to this?
Masking tape. YUP.

Before you leave the house, simply use a strip of masking tape to cover any holes in the product container where it may spill. Then when you want to use your product, you simply peel the tape off the holes and use your make up like normal. This is a cheap way to re-create the way your loose cosmetic was when you first opened it- remember you had to tear off some sort of tape to get at the powder in the first place? This is an at home version of that. One thing - remember to stash that masking tape in your purse or suitcase so you can re-tape the holes up when you are done.

Easy, cheap and effective. Plus, masking tape will cost you about a dollar, is small enough to throw in your bag and best of all won't ruin your makeup or gunk up your case.
Happy Monday!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Genius or Disaster?

I am totally intrigued by the following new concealer from Neutrogena....

Mineral Sheers Concealer Kit SPF 20It seems like a genius idea. Inspired by make-up artists this concealer has a two part application- cream to cover the flaws and powder to set the makeup. It is also SPF 20 which is great for the very wrinkle prone and delicate eye area. However, there are some things I see as cause for concern...

My biggest worry is that it is mineral based. Now minerals can be great- once you know how to apply them and know what works for you. But if you are new to minerals (which can be murky looking to begin with), combining them with a cream could spell disaster. Uneven cream coverage covered with too thick minerals? YIKES. But then again, this powder over cream concept is long tried and true for most film and television. But have you ever seen someone in "stage" or "film" makeup in the light of day? Not good.

I don't know- I love Neutrogena and think most of their products are great. But this concealer concerns me...have any of you tried it? Does it work? Does it look thick and cakey or is it just thick enough to work?

Email me if you have tried it...you know I love the new info.

Keep looking fabulous and have a great weekend!
BGND

Product of the week - April 9th, 2009

The search is eternal for a great moisturizer. Even when you have one you like, you are always checking out the beauty aisles, wondering if one of the little jars or bottles holds your next best friend (well at least I am!).
Today, the POTW is one of those lovely jars that turned out to have as much in results and legitimate quality as it did in promise and potential.

Awake Sign Revolution Cream - $135 (Online at www.kose-usa.com/awakecosmetics)
I received a trial size of this wonderfully indulgent moisturizer and was totally shocked by the quality of what was inside. Of course the price is steep- but that doesn't mean that what is inside measures up. However, this baby does. It has the most appealing texture I have ever come across in a daytime moisturizer - light and fluffy yet intensely moisturizing without clogging your pores. Formulated with fancy dancy anti-aging peptides and amino acids (that's where that price comes from) - this little jar honestly is the real deal. Light, fresh, deeply hydrating to dry skin and with all the goodies to make your fine lines and wrinkles not only disappear but to help prevent new ones from forming. Indulgent and expensive - yes. Worthy of your glorious skin- definitely.
A little luxury for any stressed BGNDer in this economy.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Easter Basket or Shopping Basket?

For some reason, whenever a holiday is here (Passover this week) or almost here (Easter on Sunday), I have to bust out the discount codes. I don't know what it is but I want to share the joy this and every holiday season- hehe...

So the best current discount codes out there are....

Benefit Cosmetics
- Free shipping on $50 or more - enter PRETTY50 at checkout
- Free $55 sampler (mascara, lip gloss and eyeshadow) with $50 purchase - enter GLAMGOOD at checkout

Bliss World
- Free eye mask sample and free shipping on orders over $75 - enter BIGDAY at checkout
- Free shipping on orders over $50 - enter 019909 at checkout

Elf
- Free five piece brush set with any $25 purchase - enter FREEBRUSH at checkout
- Two free Fandango.com movie tickets with purchase of $25 or more - enter TIXFORTWO at checkout

L'Occitane
- Free gift with purchase of $60 or more - enter OLIVETREE at checkout

Prescriptives
- Free standard shipping on $35 or more - enter FREESHIP3 at checkout

Saks Fifth Avenue
- Free Galaxy Eye Collection Set with purchase of $75 or more on Bobbi Brown - enter BOBBI4 at checkout (promo ends 4/12)

Sephora
- Get a Bare Escentuals 10-day sample plus mini Kabuki brush with any order - enter PEACELOVE at checkout

The Body Shop
- Get $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 - enter SPRING2009 at checkout

Ulta
- Get 20% off one item- enter 97176 at checkout (some exclusions)

Happy shopping!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Color for a Cure

I know that sometimes in my personal life, it is hard to get my you-know-what together and volunteer/donate/do something good for others around me. If you are like me - in other words- love beauty products and are a busy bee....I have a fantastic opportunity for you.

Pureology Serious Colour Care is doing its part to help in the fight against cancer. Throughout 2009, Pureology will be hosting 19 NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition)Walks to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. Pureology will be there as the hair care and styling premier sponsor and will be on-site at each walk, distributing reusable travel kits containing Essential Repair Shampoo, Essential Repair Hair Condition and a teal Pureology bandana to walk participants.

Like I said, there are 19 (!!!) walks being sponsored by Pureology this year so there is bound to be one that will work for you. For all the details on these events and Ovarian Cancer - click here.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Bonus Time!!

Hooray BGNDers!
Finally an excuse to get out and spend some money on beauty products and NOT feel bad about it!!

Clinique is having "Bonus Time" aka Gift with Purchase at many of their counters across the country. I know that here in the LA area at Macy's you get this super cute Spring themed flowery bag (florals- very trendy at the moment...) chock full of the usual free products but also including the new (and very intriguing) Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer SPF 15.
To find the Clinique counter nearest you offering up the free goodies - click here!!

Happy Monday!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Recycling Revolution!

So folks- no POTW this week. Instead I want to tell you all about an amazing new program to help with getting rid of some of those old POTWs in a responsible way.

The Return to Origins Recycling Program!

The brilliant folks over at Origins have started a quite wondrous new way for you to help out the environment. As of this past Sunday (3/29/09), all Origins counters are accepting your used and empty product containers (regardless of brand!!) and will gladly ship them off to be re-cycled and re-used in a responsible way. FAN-TAS-TIC!
Seriously....talk about making it super easy to do your part!

And for today - April 2nd only - a number of Origins counters around the country are having special guest appearances and giving away free samples (some full size!) to those who come to recycle!! (As a Gossip Girl fan I am personally jealous of you NYC kids for getting a meet and greet with Kelly Rutherford...)

For all the info on the recycling program:
Click here
And for all the info on today's special events:
Click here

Happy responsible shopping!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

P.S. This recycling program does not exist at Nordstrom Origins counters- fyi.

Spring forward!

I am love love loving the return of teal in eye makeup right now. I have always thought it was the cooler, edgier cousin of blue and a color that almost everyone can wear. If you have been afraid to try it - fear not! There are so many different ways to wear teal that there is something for everyone.

1- Quick, simple and sweet
All the elements you need for a fresh faced take on the teal trend are:
- keep it simple with fresh even skin
- pale pink cheek color
- nice dark lashes
- clear or neutral lip color
- teal as the only accent color on your lids - either a thin straight line instead of your usual eyeliner or a fat, smudged line on just above the lashes
BGND recommends:
- CoverGirl EyeSlicks in Aqua Flash
- Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Emerald Sparkle

2 - Drama Mama
If you want to embrace the trend and really rock it:
- smooth, slightly glowing skin
- pale pink cheek color
- black,thick and defined lashes
- neutral only - do not wear lip color at all...make it about the eyes
- Mix a shimmery and vibrant eyeliner with a teal shadow or rock a thick heavy black shimmery eyeliner with a teal lid
BGND recommends:
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric or Flipside
- Sephora Brand Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Blue
- Nars Duo Eye Shadow in Misfit (a nice neutral base color and a flashy teal together)
- Mac Eye Pigment in Teal (Pair with MAC eyeshadow in Vapor)


Of course- don't take my advice for it! Go out and have fun and see what teal works for you! If you are nervous, check out your local drugstore for some fun and cheap teal colors that you can try at home and see if you want to invest further.

Happy Wednesday and keep looking fabulous,
BGND